Homeless flock to shelter

Photo: Google Street View

Kelowna’s Inn From the Cold shelter is open for the winter and has been close to capacity since the doors opened on Sunday.

The shelter, located at 1157 Sutherland Ave., offers 35 beds for the homeless.

“Every winter, Inn from the Cold Kelowna opens to ensure that no one has to sleep outside,” said Jan Schulz, executive director. “Our mandate is to provide low-barrier, overnight shelter to the most vulnerable members of our community experiencing homelessness to ensure no one falls between the cracks or is left out in the cold.”

This is Schulz's first winter as director, having taken over the position in May. She says there won’t be any big changes to how the shelter is run.

“It’s business as usual,” she said. “It’s always worked very well in the past, so if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”

The shelter relies on volunteers, donations and fundraising efforts to operate. It is in need of clothing and toiletry donations, as well as volunteers.

More information can be found on its website.